AO1: Relationships

Question 1

Sexual Selection

Answer 1

• Provides evolutionary explanation for reproductive behaviours seen in modern humans
• Suggest behaviours that increase reproductive success will be passed on through genes

Question 2

Intersexual Selection

Answer 2

• Type of sexual selection
• When one gender makes mating choices based on specific characteristics of the other gender
• Argued to be more relevant for females which results in female ‘choosiness’

Question 3

Reasons for Female ‘Choosiness’

Answer 3

• Females make more energy investment into having children (e.g. pregnancy and breastfeeding) so they have a lot to lose if they choose a bad partner
• Females have a smaller window of fertility than men (due to the menstrual cycle and menopause) so they can have fewer children

Question 4

Implications of Female Choosiness

Answer 4

• Preferences (e.g. physical strength, height, intelligence, access to resources) may have been sexually selected through as they imply that the mother and her children may be better protected and the children will survive, reproduce and pass on these genes
• Certain characteristics (e.g. facial symmetry) may have been sexually selected as they imply good physical health meaning the man is more likely to survive and continue to offer care and protection